CAQM revises date of implementation of Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards for specified industries across Delhi-NCR

In continuation to what we reported earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management (“CAQM”) in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas has revised the implementation schedule of Particulate Matter (“PM”) emission standard of 50 mg/Nm³, and stipulated that the revised PM emission standard would now apply to the 17 categories of highly polluting industries identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (“CPCB”), red category (medium and large) air-polluting industries, food and food processing units, textile industries having boilers/thermic fluid heaters and metal industries having furnaces operating in Delhi-NCR, with effect from 1^st October 2026. All other provisions, stipulations and conditions contained in Direction No. 98 dated 20th February 2026 would remain unchanged.        

Background:

CAQM had revised and tightened the permissible PM emission standards for industries operating in Delhi-NCR, with a view to significantly reduce industrial emissions and improve regional air quality. Based on the recommendations of the CPCB, CAQM believed that particulate matter emission standard of 50 mg/Nm3 is both technically achievable and environmentally necessary. Subsequently, a direction was issued, dated 20^th February 2026, providing for the maximum permissible PM emission limit to be fixed at 50 mg/Nm³ for the 17 categories of highly polluting industries identified by CPCB, red category (medium and large) air-polluting industries, food and food processing units, textile industries having boilers/thermic fluid heaters and metal industries having furnaces operating in Delhi-NCR.

The Direction has been linked below for your ease of reference.

Source: Commission for Air Quality Management